Aramis Ramirez: Potential FA?

[dieselboy]

Paul Sullivan, of the Chicago Tribune, reportsChicago Cubs 3B Aramis Ramirez could choose to opt out of his contract and test the free agent waters in November. "He can renegotiate or become a free agent," Ramirez's agent, Paul Kinzer, said Tuesday night from Cincinnati. "It would take something drastic to make him leave. He's comfortable. We haven't even talked about that yet." It's reasonable to expect Ramirez to renegotiate his current contract because he could command a great deal more on the open market. Ramirez is in the second year of a four-year $42 million deal. Ramirez, when speaking if his opt-out clause, said this: "That's just an option, but I don't think I'm going to exercise that. I want to be a Cub for the rest of my life." Ramirez is currently on pace to finish the year with over 30 home runs and 100 RBI.

It doesn't sound like he would want to go...but the Cubs are in complete downfall. He just turned 28, and has played very well, especially the last few months.

Anyone else think he would leave?

[CMH]

Re: Aramis Ramirez: Potential FA?

Ramirez is one of those players that has put up good numbers throughout his short career, but isn't going to be in high demand in the free agent market.

He may have to settle for less.

[rsox]

Re: Aramis Ramirez: Potential FA?

I think he would. The Cubs are a train wreck, they keep relying on two broken down starters to be their saviors and Tribune will not spend money to get them any big name players to try and turn this team around. Add in the fact that Dusty Baker will be gone after the season is over and having to break in another new coaching staff, would you want to stay?.

The Phillies, Padres, Twins will be in the market for a Third Baseman. The Angels and Astros will be in the market for a power bat, the Angels could easily fit Ramirez in at Third and the Astros could try and either trade Morgan Ensberg or move him to 1B (putting Lance Berkman back in the OF). All of those teams have better chances of winning than the Cubs

Though Ramirez is in the middle of a $42.million dollar contract i think he could get that and possibly more on the free agent market since he would be the third best power hitter available behind Carlos Lee and Alfonso Soriano.

[BunnyHardaway]

Re: Aramis Ramirez: Potential FA?

I can also see the O's maybe making a move with the new money they get from MASN. We just need the front office to remove heads from asses before that happens.

[stalsy2310]

Re: Aramis Ramirez: Potential FA?

I think hes goin to the brewers...........



I can hope

[Dispatch]

Re: Aramis Ramirez: Potential FA?

I could seem him in an Angels or Astros jersey if he ends up not staying with the Cubs.

[Misfit]

Re: Aramis Ramirez: Potential FA?

If the Cubs don't pay him, he'll be gone. Power hitting third basemen can make some good money on the market.

[Alliball]

Re: Aramis Ramirez: Potential FA?

I could seem him in an Angels or Astros jersey if he ends up not staying with the Cubs.

As well as the Padres. I'm kind of surprised they didn't make a run at him at the deadline.

[LetsGoPitt]

Re: Aramis Ramirez: Potential FA?

I've heard a few rumblings that the Pirates would love to take a shot at re-signing Ramirez. With the money they'll save from not having to pay Casey, Kip Wells, or Craig Wilson, they might have the funds to do it.

Not that it'll happen of course. They'll probably re-sign Jose Hernandez instead.

[dieselboy]

Re: Aramis Ramirez: Potential FA?

I've heard a few rumblings that the Pirates would love to take a shot at re-signing Ramirez. With the money they'll save from not having to pay Casey, Kip Wells, or Craig Wilson, they might have the funds to do it.

Not that it'll happen of course. They'll probably re-sign Jose Hernandez instead.

Did he like his time in Pitt? Think he would prefer to play there over some big market teams?

[BigRed]

Re: Aramis Ramirez: Potential FA?

Typical Pirates. Never learning from their mistakes.

[philliesfan980]

Re: Aramis Ramirez: Potential FA?

Pirates executives really need to sit down and have a long term plan this offseason. None of this "halfway" rebuilding stuff like signing below average veteran guys like Burnitz. It's not the popular way to run a team, but as the Twins/A's/Marlins can attest to, building a team from within can be done. It might take a few years to get it on track, but it will be worth it in the end.

[BatsareBugs]

Re: Aramis Ramirez: Potential FA?

He'd solve the Padres third base problems...

But the Padres are more interested in the Todd Walker's and Joe Randa's of the world at third.

The Padres would have the money to spend, but I don't see them going after Ramirez if he does go in Free Agency, typical Padres.

[philliesfan980]

Re: Aramis Ramirez: Potential FA?

It's probably for the best though. The pirates have so many holes to fill, its probably not best to put all their eggs into one basket so to speak.

[CoRruPt-]

Re: Aramis Ramirez: Potential FA?

Pirates executives really need to sit down and have a long term plan this offseason. None of this "halfway" rebuilding stuff like signing below average veteran guys like Burnitz. It's not the popular way to run a team, but as the Twins/A's/Marlins can attest to, building a team from within can be done. It might take a few years to get it on track, but it will be worth it in the end.

With the Tribune running the show, I'd be surprised if they even come close to getting "on track".